Hicks shines in debut as starting corner, and six true freshmen play for Spartans

EAST LANSING – It will technically go down as a big play at the expense of Darian Hicks, but it's not that simple.

Criss-crossing routes and a bump on MSU safety Kurtis Drummond created the 32-yard pass play to open Friday's 45-7 Spartans win over Jacksonville State, Hicks said.

"No, no," said Hicks, the sophomore cornerback making his first start. "I didn't get beat."

He did later in the game on a "skinny post," MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi pointed out, but that was about it for Hicks nitpicks. His debut was an overall success, an easing of concerns about how this defense would function on the outside without Darqueze Dennard – who watched Friday from the sideline.

Dennard told Hicks to relax and play his game, Hicks heeded the advice, and Narduzzi said he was happy overall with what he saw.

One of them, Anthony Johnson, tried to go deep on Hicks late in the second quarter. Hicks employed the press coverage Narduzzi favors, and he turned his hips expertly and stayed in front of Johnson the whole way. Eli Jenkins' pass was underthrown, and Hicks found it in the air, leaped and grabbed it for his first career interception.

"Watching their film, usually they release outside, they take shots," said Hicks, who graded his performance a B-plus or A-minus. "I was just gearing up for it. Guys on the sideline are telling me, 'They're gonna take a shot at you because you're the younger guy. Prove that you can do it.' And that's what I did."

INJURY UPDATE: MSU had two big losses in the second half, with starting left guard Travis Jackson and reserve receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. both helped off the field. Kings later went to the locker room on crutches.

MSU coach Mark Dantonio said he believed Kings will be "fine," but he wasn't as outwardly optimistic about Jackson. Freshman Brian Allen is the likely replacement if Jackson misses time, Dantonio said. MSU is hoping to redshirt JUCO transfer Miguel Machado.

As expected, MSU starting defensive tackle Damon Knox (undisclosed) and starting offensive guard Connor Kruse (lower body) missed the opener with injuries. There is no official timetable on either.

Also, MSU redshirt freshman safety Jalyn Powell did not dress, two days after defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett confirmed MSU had injuries in the secondary at the reserve level. Barnett also said the defensive backfield should be totally healthy by next week.

Along with the early Connor Cook scare, starting running back Jeremy Langford limped off the field late in the first quarter and sat a series, but he returned, then limped off again later but seemed to be OK.

SOME TYPE OF SONG: Last year, MSU played "Type of Way" by Rich Homie Quan after each victory. On Friday, the celebration song was "About the Money" by T.I., but that doesn't mean it will be the song after every game.

So could that mean Bullough, who writes and plays his own country songs, could be asked to contribute?

"If they supply me with a guitar," he said, "maybe I'll play one."

FRESHMAN WATCH: Defensive tackle Malik McDowell made the biggest impact among MSU's true freshmen, seeing action early and often with the defense. The first play made by a freshman was on the first play of the game – defensive back Montae Nicholson with a big hit on the opening kickoff.

Freshman linebacker Chris Frey also saw action on special teams for the Spartans, and Allen was the first reserve on the offensive line, replacing Donavon Clark at right guard late in the second quarter.

Later, freshman defensive tackle Craig Evans and freshman defensive end Montez Sweat got on the field, making for a total of six.

If none of the six ends up needing a medical redshirt, this will mark the most true freshmen to play under Dantonio at MSU.

NOTEBOOK: MSU's game captain was junior linebacker Darien Harris. He joined team captains Jackson, Shilique Calhoun and Kurtis Drummond for the opening coin toss, as did MSU athletic director Mark Hollis. Hollis was MSU's honorary captain, an honor that usually goes to a former player. … MSU students chanted "We want Terry!" a year ago for quarterback Damion Terry, but he redshirted. On Friday, Terry got on the field as the No. 3 quarterback and had some good moments with 21 yards rushing and a 13-yard completion. No. 2 quarterback Tyler O'Connor was 5-for-8 for 56 yards and ran for a 3-yard touchdown. … One of the loudest ovations of the night went to Dennard. Dennard, last season's Thorpe Award winner, was on the sideline and the big screens showed him waving to the crowd after replaying his pick against Michigan last season.